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Top 6 Monoculars

By Charles Montaldo, About.com

Most of the monoculars featured on this list include those with night vision technology. Night vision monoculars work by amplifying a small bit of light, like the moonlight, and through a process of photon and electron conversion, images can be seen at night. The engineering on many monoculars sold to consumers, is impressive. Travelers, scientists, police, outdoor adventurers, or anyone who wants subtle optics close at hand, will enjoy owning a monocular.

1. Night Owl NOCC3 - Cyclops Compact 3.1x Night Vision Monocular - 1st Generation

This is a good choice for law enforcement, nature watchers, and sportsmen because it is light weight and compact, and can easily slip it into your coat pocket. You get a range of about 350 feet and magnification of 3.1 but the most impressive feature is the IR illuminator that allows for night vision in a completely dark environment. The price on this has recently dropped because of newer more expensive models, but this is still an excellent choice and now at a great value.
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2. Zeiss 5x10 T MiniQuick Monocular - Magnifier

This little gem is the size of a pen and can clip right onto your shirt pocket. If offers a field-of-view of 300 feet @ 1000 yards plus doubles as a magnifier with 5x magnification capability. Under $100. Great gift.
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3. Night Owl Explorer 2nd Generation Night Vision Monocular

The advanced Generation 2+ technology is packed with great features including excellent brightness, 3x image magnification, top performance in low light, plus long range viewing of up to 2,300 feet with minimum reflection. It is also 100% waterproof and will float if you drop it in water. This product gets an A+ for features, look, and performance. Expensive? Yep, but if you are wanting to invest in a top-of-the-line product, this is one to check out.
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4. ATN Night Storm 1 Vision Monocular Optic

One of the key features of this monocular is the infrared illuminator that allows visibility under very dark conditions. It is completely waterproof and easy to spot with the bright yellow body. For the price - this is a really good choice. Shop around and compare prices though, the swing can be up to $75.00 in savings.
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5. Nikon Night Search 1x 2nd Generation Nightvision Monocular

This is the best of the best in monoculars. If you've had the mid-priced products and you are looking to step up to something offering more professional features, take a look at this product. It is a second-generation item built with a rugged yet compact design. Built in features such as a +1/-6 diopter, comfort viewing even if you wear glasses, and an aspherical lens. It is water resistant and ergonomically smart.
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6. Night Owl NOCX-5M

Solid construction, advanced engineering, and a 48mm lens offering 5x image magnification, are but just some of the features offered on this mid-priced monocular. Waterproofed and toting a rubber-coated night blue finish with soft-touch control, caps off this exceptional performer.
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